–Freespace 2: Still plugging away, and getting closer all the time. A couple highlights have really kept me in it; namely destroying the Sathanas. After taking out all the beam cannons of the Sathanas in the previous mission, this mission (“High Noon”) was a piece of cake. The GTVA Colossus just wailed away with its beam cannons while I watched from a safe distance. All this was, of course, followed by a huge, satisfying explosion.

The next mission, “Return to Babel,” started off fast and furious; two squadrons shooting a whole slew of missiles at the Shivan cruisers, and they respond by promptly blowing up. I have to say these recent missions are really showing off the game – saving the best for last, so to speak.

After the discovery of another (or several, I couldn’t see in the nebula) Sathanas juggernaut located around a newly-discovered Knossos portal in the next mission (Mission 33: “Straight, No Chaser”), the enemy toasted the GVD Psamtik and I was jumping out of the nebula. This brings me to Mission 34: “Argonautica,” where I’m trying to save the good ol’ GTD Aquitaine.

Will I be able to do it? Is it possible that I will finish a game that has owned me for nearly ten years? Stay tuned!

– Puzzle Quest: Level seven with my wizard. My wife is currently on the highest level possible (fifty), and I can only hope that by the time our kids have graduated from college that I will have caught up.

I’m stuck on a vampire bat, a bat which my wife’s knight could kill just by looking at it. Whatever level you’re at, the game is fun.

–Super Smash Bros. Brawl: A friend came over last night and brought the Brawl. We had a good time, but let’s just say I have to get used to the idea that winning isn’t everything.